Arrest records are public documents in Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana, pursuant to the Louisiana Public Records Act (La. R.S. 44:1 et seq.). This legislation establishes that governmental records, including those pertaining to arrests, shall be available for public inspection. The statute serves to promote transparency in governmental operations and accountability within law enforcement agencies operating in Terrebonne Parish.
Members of the public may access these records as part of their right to information regarding law enforcement activities. The Louisiana Constitution, Article XII, Section 3, further reinforces this right by stating that "No person shall be denied the right to observe the deliberations of public bodies and examine public documents, except in cases established by law." This constitutional provision underscores the presumption of openness that applies to arrest records maintained by the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff's Office and other law enforcement agencies within the parish.
Certain exceptions to public disclosure may apply in specific circumstances as provided by statute, such as ongoing investigations or juvenile records sealed by court order. However, the general rule remains that arrest records in Terrebonne Parish are public information accessible to any requesting party.
Terrebonne Parish arrest records are available through various online platforms maintained by governmental agencies and authorized third-party providers. The Terrebonne Parish Sheriff's Office maintains a digital database that allows for limited online searches of current inmate information and recent arrest data. Additionally, the Terrebonne Parish Clerk of Court provides an electronic search system for court records related to criminal cases.
The Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections also maintains a statewide offender database that includes information on individuals who have been processed through the Terrebonne Parish criminal justice system. This database can be accessed through the Department's official website.
It should be noted that online records may not always contain comprehensive information. Pursuant to La. R.S. 44:32, certain limitations exist regarding the completeness and timeliness of digitally available records. Some arrest records, particularly those predating digital record-keeping systems, may only be available through in-person requests at the appropriate agency offices.
Online access to these records is subject to user registration requirements and, in some instances, applicable fees as authorized by La. R.S. 44:32(C), which permits agencies to establish reasonable fees for the reproduction of public records.
Multiple methods exist for obtaining arrest records in Terrebonne Parish, each with specific procedures established pursuant to Louisiana law:
Online Search Options:
In-Person Requests:
Written Requests:
Pursuant to La. R.S. 44:32(A), custodians of public records shall present any public record to any person of the age of majority who so requests. Agencies may require identification and may collect reasonable fees for document reproduction as authorized by La. R.S. 44:32(C).
Terrebonne Parish arrest records contain standardized information as required by Louisiana law and departmental policies. These records typically include the following elements:
The comprehensiveness of arrest records may vary based on the nature of the offense and the arresting agency's protocols. Records maintained by the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff's Office generally contain more detailed information than summary reports that may be available through third-party providers.
Pursuant to La. R.S. 44:3, certain sensitive information may be redacted from publicly available arrest records, including confidential informant identities, ongoing investigation details, and juvenile information protected under La. Ch.C. Art. 412.
The expungement process in Terrebonne Parish provides a legal mechanism for the removal of arrest records from public access under specific circumstances defined by Louisiana law. Pursuant to La. C.Cr.P. Art. 971-995, individuals may petition for expungement when their case meets statutory eligibility requirements.
Eligibility criteria for expungement in Terrebonne Parish include:
The expungement procedure requires filing a petition with the Terrebonne Parish Clerk of Court located at 7856 Main Street, Houma, LA 70360. The petition must be served on the Terrebonne Parish District Attorney's Office, the Louisiana State Police Bureau of Criminal Identification, and the arresting agency. A contradictory hearing may be scheduled if any agency objects to the expungement.
Filing fees for expungement petitions in Terrebonne Parish are established by La. R.S. 44:19 and currently total $550, which includes processing fees for all relevant agencies. Fee waivers may be available for indigent petitioners upon submission of an affidavit of indigency.
Upon granting of an expungement, all agencies maintaining records of the arrest are ordered to remove such information from public access. However, expunged records remain available to law enforcement agencies, criminal justice agencies, and certain licensing boards as specified in La. R.S. 44:9(G).